You're not alone in feeling challenged by what to do with an aging parent. The following tips can help you: Educate yourself. Do your research. Don't wait to be inundated with forms, brochures, doctor visits and decisions to be made immediately. Start by reading about your elderly parent's medical condition and life stage situation. Ask questions you might normally shy away from. Most importantly, get resources. Find out about nursing and assisted living facilities, doctors, health care managers and social workers, and other resources to help your parents when needed. Start a conversation with your parent. Many people find it difficult to talk about sensitive topics such as health, aging and health. death, etc.; however, one scenario I often hear about is “My mother fell. She's in the hospital and I don't know how to help her. If this situation were to happen to you or someone else you know, here are some important questions to ask: • Does your parent have an advanced care directive?[4] • Do they have a will? • Has your parent appointed a Power of Attorney?[5]• Have you and your siblings discussed what your roles will be if something happens to mom or dad? Having a conversation with them about your parents' future needs and desires is not planning for their death. It simply means that you are concerned and concerned about their safety and happiness should their health be compromised. Make a distinction between your feelings and those of your parents. As parents age, their concerns and life goals may change. Suddenly, the full life they once thought they had may seem cut short. An aging parent may suddenly feel more pressure to achieve certain life goals. They may suddenly feel the urgent need to spend time conquering... means of paper... to keep accurate records of all the transactions he or she makes on behalf of the principal. The attorney-in-fact is also responsible for distinguishing between the types of decisions he or she has the power to make and other decisions. There are several types of decisions that the attorney-in-fact may be given the power to make, including the power to: Make financial decisions Make monetary donations Make healthcare decisions, including the ability to agree to give, refuse, or stop medical treatment , services or diagnostic procedures. (Note: Your loved one can also create a separate “health care power of attorney” to give just this power to an individual.) Recommend a guardianRead more @ National Caregivers Library: What Is Power Of Attorney?, 20136. American Family Physician: A Guide practice in caring for caregivers, December 2000